Science is one of our most popular degrees at NUI Galway with record numbers applying each year. This is due to the number of innovative and market-led degree courses available in the College of Science and the excellent career opportunities available for our graduates. Science has significantly contributed to the development of the global economy in recent times.
For example, our scientists are breaking new ground in stem cell and gene therapy research and this cutting edge and innovative research feeds into our teaching, giving students the best possible learning experience. Our Science academics have enthusiasm and are passionate about their chosen field and bring the latest ideas and discoveries to the classroom.
NUI Galway’s Science courses are structured yet flexible so you can explore your interests and passions by undertaking either the Bachelor of Science degree or choosing from a range of our denominated Science degrees.
A degree in Science provides you with many interesting opportunities and the potential to develop a wide variety of skills.
A science degree equips you with the ability to learn, think independently and critically, and adapt to situations. A degree in Science is a sound basis for a variety of careers. Here is a list of positions and companies that our recent Science graduates are employed in:
Abbotts (Longford) - Microbiology Laboratory Assistant
AIB (Dublin) - Financial Analyst and Safety Consultant
Antaris (Limerick) - Environmental and Health
Baxters (Mayo) - Microbiologist
Boston Scientific (Galway) - Quality Technican
Cisco Systems (Galway) Systems Analyst
Donegal County Council - Alternative Energy
Environmental Management Services
Environmental Management Services (Meath) -
Hilton Foods (Galway) - Quality Technician
Hygeia Chemicals (Galway) - Internship-Quality Control
Irish Life & Permanent (Dublin) - Trainee Actuary
KPMG (Dublin) - Trainee Accountant
Lab Solutions (Sligo) Lab Technician
McCarthy Keville (Galway) - Environmental Consultant
Medtronic (Galway) - Quality control
Mylan Pharma (Galway) - R & D Documentation Assistant
Pepsi (Cork) - Raw Materials Analyst
PPD Development (Athlone) - Assistant Scientist
Reliance Genemedix (Offaly) - Microbiologist
Valeo (Galway) - Systems Test Manager

Bachelor of Science degree
CAO Code - GY301 CAO Points (2014) - 400
• This is the most popular degree in the College of Science.
• This degree allows you to specialise step by step as you progress from year to year. It is the ideal choice for students who want to explore their scientific interests further before committing to a particular specialism.
• With clear pathways to fifteen different degree-level specialisations across the full range of scientific activities, this degree is also a great choice for students who already have one of these destinations in mind.
1 Choose four of the following modules:
Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Biology
Introduction to Earth and Ocean Sciences
2 Choose three pathways (or two pathways plus electives):
• Anatomy
• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Botany and Plant Science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Studies
• Microbiology
Electives: A variety of electives are offered.
• Pharmacology
• Physics and Applied Physics
• Physiology
• Zoology
3 Choose two pathways:
• Anatomy
• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Botany and Plant Science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Studies and Computer Science
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Physics and Applied Physics
• Physiology
• Zoology
4 Choose your honours degree
• Anatomy
• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Botany and Plant Science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Applied
Mathematics
• Mathematical Studies and
Computer Science
• Mathematics and Computer
Science
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Physics and Applied Physics
• Physiology
• Zoology

If you know what profession or research area you would like to be in, then our denominated degrees are ideal for you. A denominated degree lets you get started straight away with a focused course of study in your chosen area, giving you a fast track to a seat in your target industry or field.
Denominated degrees on offer in the College of Science include:
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)
CAO Code - GY303 CAO Points (2014) - 540
• NUI Galway is Ireland’s leading university for Biomedical Science, so you will have access to top researchers and the very latest facilities.
• Learn about the structure and function of the human body, and gain an insight into the treatment of diseases.
• Galway is one of four global hubs for the Biomedical Science industry, so job opportunities for graduates are excellent.
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
CAO Code - GY304 CAO Points (2014) - 465
• Biotechnology students benefit from a focused and closely mentored course.
• Undertake a three month laboratory placement in Europe or North America.
• New technologies have enabled modern biotechnology to become an important part of the “smart economy” in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and the environment.
• Biotechnologists find ready employment in rewarding jobs across this growing “smart economy”.
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
CAO Code - GY308 CAO Points (2014) - 405
• Environmental Science examines the interaction between humans and the environment, including the effects of modern technological advances.
• You will gain a thorough grounding in the basic sciences in the early years, and will then apply this knowledge to current environmental problems.
• Today the need for environmental scientists is growing, and career opportunities are open to graduates in many fields, including a host of environmental agencies.
Bachelor of Science (Financial Mathematics and Economics)
CAO Code - GY309 CAO Points (2014) - 450
• For students who like Mathematics, Economics and other subjects in the financial area.
• Study Financial Economics, Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics.
• The demand for students with knowledge of financial markets and how they operate is huge, with excellent employment opportunities for graduates.
Bachelor of Science (Marine Science)
CAO Code - GY310 CAO Points (2014) - 400
• The only denominated Marine Science degree in Ireland - students come from all over the country to study this programme.
• The stunning Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute offers you the best facilities and resources for Marine Science.

93%
Bachelor of Science (Health and Safety Systems)
CAO Code - GY313 CAO Points (2014) - 310
• Students are provided with the knowledge and tools to have a rewarding career in ensuring the welfare and well-being of people at work, and their work environment.
• A work-placement as part of the course gives students the chance to experience life as a health and safety professional.
Bachelor of Science (Earth and Ocean Sciences)
CAO Code - GY314 CAO Points (2014) - 380
• Study a diverse range of science subjects including Geology and Oceanography.
• The course is designed to allow students to follow one of a number of streams.
• Discover the needs of our contemporary industries and technological society, as well as the need to monitor and protect the natural environment.
Bachelor of Science (Biopharmaceutical Chemistry)
CAO Code - GY318 CAO Points (2014) - 510
• This course combines specific areas of Chemistry and Biology.
• The biopharmaceutical industry is an increasingly important player in the Irish economy.
• Graduates of the degree have skills that are tailored to meet the needs of this industry.
• Students can benefit from a three-month placement in an industrial or academic laboratory.
Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science)
CAO Code - GY319 CAO Points (2014) - 490
• Provides students with a solid foundation in the Mathematical Sciences.
• Students get the opportunity to specialise in areas of their interest within Mathematics, Applied Mathematics,
Statistics and Bioinformatics.
• Many graduates are employed in the financial services, the IT industry and software development.
Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied Physics,
Astrophysics, Biomedical, Theoretical)
CAO Code - GY320 CAO Points (2014) - 420
• If you have an enquiring mind, and are interested in discovering how things work, then this could be the course for you.
• Have the opportunity to study an exciting range of specialist options and gain valuable numerical, computational and problem solving skills.
• A degree in physics is an excellent training for employment in high technology industries.

The College of Science at NUI Galway hosts Science Experience
Summer Events every year for second-level students. These workshops give students the opportunity to delve into a wide range of scientific disciplines and explore future career opportunities. Students take part in unique hands-on activities and experience working in world class research centres.
For more information about this event or to book your place, visit our website at www.nuigalway.ie/science/experience/
Kasha Gniado,
Biopharmaceutical,
Chemistry student
“I chose to study
Biopharmaceutical
Chemistry at NUI Galway because of the range of modules it offered me, and in particular the various aspects of science that I favoured the most. Studying modules such as Chemistry,
Biochemistry, Pharmacology,
Toxicology and Computers in
Chemistry along with Molecular modeling provides me with the skill and training to become an excellent professional analyst chemist.”
Students from the College of Science have an opportunity to spend their first semester of third year at John Carroll University in USA. This provides Science students with an opportunity to gain an entirely new perspective on the study of Science in another institution, enhance our CV, learn to appreciate different cultures and build on your confidence and independence.
http://www.nuigalway.ie/science/outward_exchanges.html
The College of Science are offering third year Science students an opportunity to spend their second semester of their third year in
Hong Kong in the Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology (HKUST). The HKUST is rated among the top 3
Chinese universities in the greater China area and the highest among all Hong Kong Institutions and is a technological university dedicated to the advancement of learning and scholarship. The official language of the university is English.
http://www.nuigalway.ie/science/outward_exchanges.html
College of Science
T +353 91 492 182 F +353 91 494 578 E science@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/science